REGIONAL NEWS AND EVENTS

CAROLINE JENNINGS (IRELAND & AUSTRALIA)

Caroline Jennings began her training in Monty Roberts concepts in 2004 and became a Certified Instructor in 2008. She returned to Ireland to set up Equus Training Ireland; a facility to educate humans and horses in these non-violent concepts. Caroline now splits her time between Ireland, Australia and Monty’s farm, in the USA. Caroline has had a passion for horses and riding from an early age. She attended Monty’s demonstrations in Ireland in the early 90′s and dreamed of working with horses in this way. Choosing horses as her career path, Caroline went to the UK in 2001 where she studied a 4-year BSc degree in Equine and Human Sport Science at Warwickshire College, graduating with honors in 2005. Caroline has assisted Monty Roberts in many areas worldwide, including seminars, demonstrations, veteran courses and private consultancy for professionals in many disciplines. Caroline is passionate about her work, training horses and introducing Monty’s methods to people of all ages and horses worldwide through demonstrations, courses and equine assisted therapy.

SARAH MOORE

Sarah attended her first Monty Roberts demonstration at age 11 and the experience opened her eyes to the relationship dynamic between horses and humans. This affected her approach to horses over the next 15 years of her life. Sarah progressed to the top of the Three-day Eventing scene by age 16, representing Ireland internationally. Sarah has competed in Dressage, Show Jumping and of course Eventing throughout her youth and adulthood. After graduating as a Structural Engineer at 23, Sarah had reconnected with Monty’s work at his ranch as a post-graduation holiday to complete her first Join-up course in summer 2008. So began her journey with Monty and his teachings. She completed her Advanced exams by August 2010, and in November 2013 she became a certified Monty Roberts Instructor.

CAITRIONA O’MEARA

Caitriona has always been a people-centered and horse-centered person. She started riding at 8 and saved up and bought her first pony at 12 with a little help! She studied to be a Secondary school teacher and has been teaching for the last 12 years. She is also a qualified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. She was appointed coordinator of the Horsemanship Courses at higher education levels 5 and 6 in her school.

In 2010, Caitriona did her first Join-Up Course and progressed from there. She became a Monty Roberts’ Instructor in 2014, and is now one of three certified instructors in Ireland. Caitriona wants to help people create a bond with their horses that is rooted in trust, while also imparting the skills necessary to improve the relationship and partnership between them.

PADRAIC FOY

Padraic is a qualified riding instructor who has worked in various sectors of the equine industry. As manager of the family equestrian facility in the West of Ireland he encounters troubled youths who come horse riding with student associations he deals with. He noticed that being around horses had a positive influence on these people. Hearing about Monty Robert’s and Join-Up (his non-violent method of communicating with horses), he decided to learn more. Through Monty he realised that the benefits of this can also be applied to people as well as horses. He became a Certified Monty Robert’s Instructor in 2015. As a result of the Lead-Up program it is now possible to make a difference in the lives of young people using these concepts. He looks forward to working with organisations and individuals to offer Lead-Up workshops in Ireland.

CLAIRE CONNAGHAN

Claire Connaghan is from Donegal in the North West of Ireland. She grew up having horses from a very young age and rides mostly English but loves the Western style too. Her career with horses began with studies in Equine Science, which led to her working in the racing industry for 10 years. She developed a soft spot for the thoroughbreds and worked in the sales industry for the last 7 years in the Ireland and the UK.

Claire began to specialize in Monty’s methods in 2014 and gained her Instructor Certification in 2016 and offers courses from her stables in Donegal, Claire also offers home visits to your yard to work with you and your horse. Claire is also a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist.

COURSES

CERTIFICATION COURSES

The Introductory and Advanced courses provide a strong foundation in Monty’s methods. They are valuable in their own right, but are also part of the process to become an Instructor. The Introductory course can be completed with any of our Certified Instructors worldwide. Some teach it in different formats, but the content and qualification are the same. For some students, the Introductory course provides all of the skill they need to be successful with their horses.

For those who want to further their skills, or become professionals in the industry, the next step is the Advanced course, which can only be completed at Flag Is Up Farms in California. Monty will be present for the Advanced Exams. After successful completion of the exams, students who show potential to become Instructors will be invited to complete an Internship, which is the final stage in becoming an Instructor. The internship consists of a minimum of three months here at Flag Is Up Farms. Accommodation is provided and there are no fees for this stage, but you are responsible for your own living costs. You will work as part of the MRILC (Monty Roberts International Learning Center ) team, continue to improve your skills with project horses and learn how to teach the courses. Monty and the resident Instructors will support and assess you throughout your stay, and if they are satisfied with your progress, you will become a Certified Instructor. Instructors are qualified to teach Horsemanship 101, Join-Up and Long-lining clinics, as well as the Introductory course.